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Public Health Online

Program Overview

To protect and promote public health in all communities

Most courses in this online program are 6–7 weeks long and are typically completed one at a time. Most class work can be completed asynchronously. Some classes may include synchronous sessions scheduled at the start of the term to match student availability.

Applied practice and integrated learning

Students who are currently employed in public health will have the opportunity to complete applied projects within their current positions. If you aren't currently working in public health, program faculty will assist you in connecting with an organization where you can carry out applied projects.

Program curriculum

Aligned with National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC) Eight Areas of Responsibility for Health Education Specialists

Guided by the five core public health disciplines

  1. Biostatistics
  2. Epidemiology
  3. Health policy and management
  4. Social and behavioral sciences
  5. Environmental health sciences
Year 1

Spring

  • PH 700: Public Health Foundations
  • PH 710: Quantitative Methods

Summer

  • PH 701: Public Health Issues
  • PH 711: Qualitative Methods

Fall

  • PH 755: Epidemiology and Public Health Issues
  • PH 725: Communication Methods for Public Health

Year 1: 19 credits
Course descriptions available in the Graduate Catalog.

Year 2

Spring

  • PH 780: Public Health Applied Practice Experience
  • PH 770: Program Planning
  • PH 775: Grant Development for Public Health

Summer

  • PH 780: Public Health Applied Practice Experience
  • PH 771: Program Implementation and Evaluation
  • PH 760: Public Health Advocacy and Policy

Fall

  • PH 792: Public Health Integrative Learning Experience
  • PH 790: Public Health Administration and Organization

Year 2: 23 credits
Course descriptions available in the Graduate Catalog.

Class size

To ensure a high-quality educational experience, our online class size is approximately 15 students. Online students network and progress through the program with a cohort of learners—connecting with each other and their instructors through online discussions and other assignments.

Technology

You are ready for online learning if you have the following:

  • A computer that is available for you to use on a regular basis
  • Video camera that is part of computer or connected to computer
  • Headset and microphone (optional)
  • Reliable internet connection
  • Internet that can handle videoconferencing - recommendation is for a minimum of 8 Mbps downloading and 1.5 Mbps for uploading. Perform an internet search for "internet speed test" and choose a site to test your system. 

Do you have additional questions?

Amber Miller-Adamany
Anders Cedergren

Accreditation is being sought from CEPH as a Public Health Program (PHP) to include both the MPH in Community Health Education and the BS in Public Health and Community Health Education. In April 2024, the program's application to transition from an SBP to PHP was accepted. The process will be ongoing for about two years which is a typical timeframe for transitioning programs.

Advancing Public Health

"The M.P.H. curriculum prepared me well for roles in public health leadership. The degree afforded me opportunities that would not otherwise have been available, particularly in leading a health department as a Health Officer in Wisconsin."

—Jen Rombalski, Wisconsin public health leader

Learn how to apply! about Advancing Public Health

Setting up a study space at home Transform your study space with practical tips from student research
Portrait of Ella Rusnacko, '20 & '25

Ella Rusnacko, '20 & '25

"Being a full-time working professional, the UWL online MPH program integrated seamlessly. It gave me a great systems-level overview and tangible tools that I can apply day-to-day with the work that I do. You will walk out with a stronger sense of self and stronger sense of confidence."

Portrait of Kayla Loeber, '19 & '25

Kayla Loeber, '19 & '25

"Even though it was virtual, it was very easy to access other students and support each other along the way. What I learned in this program connects perfectly back to the population I work with, and the support I gained in policy and advocacy has definitely helped me be able to advocate for the people that I work with."